Land based seismic data acquisition unit

ABSTRACT

A wireless seismic data acquisition unit with a wireless receiver providing access to a common remote time reference shared by a plurality of wireless seismic data acquisition units in a seismic system. The receiver is capable of replicating local version of remote time epoch to which a seismic sensor analog-to-digital converter is synchronized. The receiver is capable of replicating local version of remote common time reference for the purpose of time stamping local node events. The receiver is capable of being placed in a low power, non-operational state over periods of time during which the seismic data acquisition unit continues to record seismic data, thus conserving unit battery power. The system implements a method to correct the local time clock based on intermittent access to the common remote time reference. The method corrects the local time clock via a voltage controlled oscillator to account for environmentally induced timing errors. The invention further provides for a more stable method of correcting drift in the local time clock.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 asa continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/977,580, filedOct. 25, 2007, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/994,711 filed Sep. 21,2007, each of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of seismic exploration. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for thecontrol and correction of the time base used in a distributed nodalseismic acquisition system.

Seismic exploration generally utilizes a seismic energy source togenerate an acoustic signal that propagates into the earth and ispartially reflected by subsurface seismic reflectors (i.e., interfacesbetween subsurface lithologic or fluid layers characterized by differentelastic properties). The reflected signals (known as “seismicreflections”) are detected and recorded by seismic receivers located ator near the surface of the earth, thereby generating a seismic survey ofthe subsurface. The recorded signals, or seismic energy data, can thenbe processed to yield information relating to the lithologic subsurfaceformations, identifying such features, as, for example, lithologicsubsurface formation boundaries.

Typically, the seismic receivers are laid out in an array, wherein thearray consists of a line of stations each comprised of strings ofreceivers laid out in order to record data from the seismiccross-section below the line of receivers. For data over a larger areaand for three-dimensional representations of a formation, multiplesingle-line arrays may be set out side-by-side, such that a grid ofreceivers is formed. Often, the stations and their receivers are spreadapart or located in remote areas. In land seismic surveys for example,hundreds to thousands of receivers, called geophones, may be deployed ina spatially diverse manner, such as a typical grid configuration whereeach line extends for 5000 meters with receivers spaced every 25 metersand the successive lines are spaced 500 meters apart. Depending uponmany geophysical factors, as well as operational down time due toequipment or weather conditions, the spread units may be deployed fortime intervals in excess of two weeks.

Acoustic waves utilized in se1sm1c exploration are typically generatedby a centralized energy source control system that initiates an energyevent via a dynamite explosion, air gun shot, vibrator sweep or thelike. The acquisition system, i.e., the seismic receivers and theircontrol mechanism, is synchronized to the energy event such that thefirst data sample of the acquisition period corresponds in time to thepeak of the energy event, such as the start of a sweep for vibratoryoperations. Acquisition periods typically last between 6 to 16 secondsfollowing the first sample, with each seismic sensor being sampled at aninterval between 0.5 to 4 milliseconds.

Of fundamental importance to any seismic system is the time base methodby which the synchronization of the energy event and the sampling of theacoustic wave field is accomplished. FIG. 1 represents the principalelements involved in a typical prior art a seismic acquisition system 10which is connected via a hardwire 12 to a plurality of individualseismic data acquisition sensors 14. The elements are utilized tocontrol the time base and distribute the time base to each individualseismic data acquisition sensors 14, thereby permitting the overallsystem 10 to be time synchronized. As shown, the prior art uses asingle, centralized time base which insures that all individual seismicdata acquisition sensors 14 are sequenced during the acquisition cycleby the same time reference. The synchronization time reference ismaintained at a centralized base unit 16, such as an operationmanagement vehicle. This time base is typically disciplined by acontinuously operated wireless receiver 18, such as a global positioningsystem (“GPS”) receiver, which is disposed to communicate with anexternal time reference 20, which in the case of a GPS receiver are GPSsatellites. The GPS receiver 18 directly disciplines a high stabilityvoltage control oscillator (“VCO”) 22 that is used to drive the systemclock 24 to which all elements are typically phased-locked. Theacquisition system controller 26 utilizes a Phase-Locked-Loop (PLL) tosynchronize its outbound command frames to the system clock 24. Theoutbound command frames are in turn locked onto by the PLLs in theplurality of seismic data acquisition sensors 14 cabled to theacquisition system controller 26. Embedded in the command frames is thesample clock signal used to synchronize the analog-to-digital (A/D)converters 28 in the sensors 14 to the GPS signal, which is typically 1Pulse-Per-Second (1 PPS) signal or any time interval that is an integermultiple of sample intervals following that time epoch. In any event,the energy source controller 30 is synchronized to the system clock 24via discrete hardware interfaces that are either directly connected tothe centralized GPS disciplined clock 24 or will utilize a PLL locked onto the central timing reference provided by the system clock 24. It isimportant to note that most prior art source control systems do notutilize GPS disciplined time bases to perform timing functions, butrather, use GPS time tags to time stamp certain significant eventsrecorded by the system, such as reception of the FIRE event or theTIMEBREAK event (which represents the time of the peak source energyevent) or the start of a vibratory sweep. The prior art acquisitionsystem controller steers the time at which the FIRE event occurs toinsure that the TIMEBREAK event occurs at a time synchronous with an A/Dconversion of the spread seismic sensors, as required for accurate wavefield sampling.

In contrast to the hardwired, centralized time base system of FIG. 1,more recent prior art seismic acquisition systems have attempted toeliminate or minimize cabling between the centralized base unit andindividual seismic data acquisition sensors. In such cases, the seismicsensors are integrated with other hardware in individual seismic dataacquisition units or nodes, such that some of the control andoperational functions previously carried out by the base unit are nowperformed at the individual seismic data acquisition units, such astiming functions. In certain of these “nodal” prior art systems, eachseismic data acquisition unit continues to communicate wirelessly withthe centralized base, whereas in other “autonomous” nodal prior artsystems, each seismic data acquisition unit operates independently ofthe centralized base.

The principal elements involved in a typical prior art “nodal” seismicacquisition system that utilizes autonomous seismic data acquisitionunits are similar to the block diagram shown in FIG. 1, except thatphysical layer connection (either wired or wireless) between acentralized unit and the field spread of seismic units is eliminated,such that the individual seismic acquisition units operate at leastsemi-autonomously from the central unit. In the case of elimination of awired physical layer connection, many of the drawbacks arising fromcables are eliminated, such as weight, cost and high failure rates.Likewise, in the case of elimination of a wireless physical layerconnection, many of the drawbacks arising from a wireless connection areeliminated, such as bandwidth limits, susceptibility to interference,and the need for radio channel licenses.

These autonomous seismic acquisition units are characterized by one ormore seismic sensors that are deployed in a spatially distributed arrayabout the node. Each individual sensor is in communication with the nodevia a cable. Commonly, multiple sensors are wired to a single cable tocreate an array.

One significant improvement in autonomous seismic data acquisition isthe development of fully integrated, self-contained autonomous seismicacquisition units, such as those described in U.S. patent applicationSer. Nos. 10/448,547 and 10/766,253. In these applications, there isdescribed a continuous recording, self-contained, autonomous wirelessseismic acquisition unit. The self-contained unit comprises a fullyenclosed case having a wall defining at least one internal compartmentwithin the case; at least one geophone internally fixed within saidinternal compartment; a clock disposed within said internal compartment;a power source disposed within said internal compartment; and a seismicdata recorder disposed within said internal compartment, wherein each ofsaid electrical elements includes an electrical connection and allelectrical connections between any electrical elements are containedwithin said case. Thus, unlike the prior art, the seismic sensors orgeophones, are also contained within the case itself, rendering theentire system self-contained and eliminating external wiring or cablingof any type. The case is shaped to enhance deployment and coupling withthe ground by maximizing the surface area of the case in contract withthe ground. Preferably, the case comprises a first plate having a firstperiphery and a second plate having a second periphery, wherein theplates are joined along their peripheries by the wall defining theinternal compartment. As such, the case may be disk shaped or tubular inshape. Such a unit is desirable not only for the shape of the case, butalso because being fully self-contained, external cabling, such asbetween an electronics package and a seismic sensor/geophone, areeliminated.

In any event, when the physical layer connection with a centralized unitis eliminated, the autonomous seismic units must be implemented with adistributed time base, meaning that a control clock system is disposedon each individual seismic unit. Moreover, without a cable connectionfor synchronization or data telemetry, autonomous nodal seismic systemsmust rely on the use of battery based power sources for the individualseismic unit electronics. Wireless seismic acquisition units such asthese operate independently of the energy source control system and thetiming clock associated therewith. Rather, they rely on the concept ofcontinuous acquisition of a timing signal, and in the case of thereferenced patent application above, the continuous acquisition of dataas well. Knowing that the source event is synchronized to the sampleinterval of the seismic data, the data can be associated with thecorrect source event in a non-real time process following the retrievalof the node.

With the elimination of the physical layer connection for distributedwireless seismic acquisition units, the manner in which each seismicunit's sample clock is derived and the synchronization of that sampleclock with the energy source events must address the loss of the commandframe synchronization of the prior art system in FIG. 1.

In the prior art, autonomous seismic acquisition units commonlysynchronize and discipline their local time bases using the same methodand apparatus implemented by the centralized time base architecturesystems. Specifically, synchronization is accomplished by implementing awireless interface to a continuous, common time reference, such as a GPSsystem of satellites. In such case, the GPS satellite time base isutilized as the system clock via a GPS receiver installed on board eachindividual seismic acquisition unit as opposed to a GPS receiverinstalled on board the centralized unit. However, such a time basesystem for autonomous units is undesirable for a number of reasons.

First, systems with continuously operating functions, such as a clock,utilize significant amounts of power. While a centralized unit may haveaccess to a continuous power source, autonomous seismic acquisitionunits do not, but must rely on power source with limited capacity,namely a battery. Specifically, the use of a continuously operatedwireless receiver to discipline a VCO is very power inefficient. Forexample a continuously operated GPS receiver could consume between 20 to50 percent of the total battery power of a seismic unit. To addressthis, prior art acquisition systems most commonly utilize the “standalone” node described above, wherein a plurality of seismic sensors aredeployed in a spatially distributed array about the node, with eachsensor in communication with the node via a cable. While such systemsdistribute the power load of a continuously disciplined clock acrossmultiple seismic sensors, such a system reintroduces the use ofunreliable cables to connect the spatially distributed seismic sensors.As the number of seismic sensors connected to an acquisition unitapproaches one, however, the percentage of the total power budget of theunit utilized to maintain wireless synchronization becomes much moresignificant and power becomes a limiting factor governing the deploymentlength of the seismic acquisition unit.

Second, wireless access to the external time reference 20, will besignificantly more difficult for nodal acquisition seismic units ascompared to a receiver at a centralized base unit, such as a recordingtruck. The wireless receiver and antenna of a nodal seismic acquisitionunit is located within the unit itself (or in close proximity thereto)and such units are generally deployed close to the ground (or in somecases may actually be below the ground surface). Moreover, physicalplacement of the unit is dictated by the geometry of the spread itself,and hence, physical placement cannot be altered to achieve betterwireless access. Further, heavy foliage, rugged terrain and urbanobstructions can all contribute to limiting the ability of the nodalwireless receiver to maintain a continuous timing solution. The resultis that a continuous external time reference signal from a GPS satelliteor other source is likely to be disrupted and intermittent over thecourse of a shoot. In contrast, a base unit such as a recording truckcan generally be positioned in a location where wireless access to thetime reference is unobstructed and not an issue.

With limited wireless access to the external time reference 20, thenodal time bases must rely on the stability or “holdover” capabilitiesof the VCO in the control loop to maintain a stable frequency outputduring periods when the control loop does not have a continuousreference to discipline the VCO. One prior art solution utilizes highstability ovenized or atomic based oscillators acting as the “holdover”time base. However, the cost and power requirements for such oscillatorsmakes their use impractical. A more typical solution is to use a highstability, temperature compensated quartz oscillator as the “holdover”oscillator. This class of VCO can maintain a fixed frequency within±5E-7 over the industrial operating range of a node.

A third drawback to implementation of an autonomous seismic acquisitionunit utilizing a continuous GPS receiver as the system clock arises fromthe manner in which the wireless receiver corrects the frequency of theVCO following long periods of poor wireless availability. Current priorart methods cause distortion in the A/D process of the delta-sigmaconverters used in such acquisition units. The control loops implementedin these prior art GPS disciplined time bases are designed to steer the1 PPS output of the disciplined clock to align with the GPS 1 PPSsignal. This is accomplished by varying the frequency of the VCO tocompensate for the time difference between the two 1 PPS references. Theattack rates at which this frequency correction is performed is designedto minimize the time over which the correction is made so that thedisciplined clock is rapidly brought back into synchronization with GPStime reference. While these GPS disciplined time bases typically allowsome limited control of the attack rate of the control loops, thusproviding some reduction in the distortion caused by the change in theVCO operating frequency, this reduction in the attack rate greatlyincreases the time interval over which the correction is made and overwhich the GPS receiver must remain in a high power consumption state.

There exist the need to establish a method by which autonomous nodalseismic acquisition units, distributed over wide spatial areas, can besynchronized to each other and to a seismic energy controller whileminimizing power consumption of the units. Such a method must addressthe lack of either a wired or wireless physical layer connection betweennodes or a control unit and must do so in a low power manner. Theapparatus used to implement the time base interface to an external timereference, such as GPS, account for the intermittent and unreliablenature of the time base due to operational and environmental variableswithin which the unit must function. As such, it would be desirable tohave a control loop design to implement the time base so as to stabilizeoscillator performance when access to an external time reference is notpossible. Control loop algorithms should adapt to oscillator performancecharteristic and predictive methods should be used to avoid the need toaccess the external time reference during periods when there is a lowprobability of successfully connecting to the external time reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus to access a common timereference from a spatially distributed nodal seismic acquisition systemand a method by which a low-power, synchronized time base within thedistributed nodes can be established with limited access to the commontime reference. The invention describes the control process of thatapparatus which achieves the goals of a low power time base within thebounded synchronization error tolerances that are geophysicallyacceptable.

The invention provides an apparatus and method to permit utilizing of anexternal precision time base in wireless nodal seismic acquisition unitswhile conserving the unit's batter power. More specifically, theinvention provides for non-continuous access via intermittent operationof an on-board wireless receiver to an external precision time base toaperiodically tune open loop variables and to correct forsynchronization errors resulting from stability limitations of the openloop approach. The invention further provides a method for correction ofdrift error between a local clock and the external precision time base.

The portions of the seismic unit that relate to the time base generallyinclude a wireless receiver that interfaces with a node controller thattunes an adjustable timing signal device capable of producing anadjustable timing signal that drives a disciplined sample clock used toprovide timing to an A/D delta-sigma converter. The node controllerimplements an open loop control algorithm that accounts for one or moreinternal or external environmental conditions that impact the unit, suchas external temperature, tilt, voltage, crystal aging and the like, toestimate the VCO frequency and correct for the estimated frequencyerror. Thus, the unit preferably includes various sensors such as atemperature sensor, a voltage sensor and/or a tilt sensor. In onepreferred embodiment, historical frequency characteristics of the VCOare stored along with the associated environmental sensor values in afrequency compensation table and used to stabilize the frequency. Inaddition to synchronizing the local time base, the wireless receiver isalso utilized to provide a precision time stamp to local events when thewireless receiver is in operation. Measured environmental sensor valuescan be utilized to predict when the wireless receiver should beactivated to acquire a signal for tuning purposes.

In correcting for drift error, the drift between the timing referenceand the sample clock is measured using time stamping of the sample clockvia the wireless receiver. The wireless receiver is then placed into alow power sleep mode and the frequency of the VCO is intentionallyoffset from its nominal value to either increase or decrease thefrequency of the VCO and the synthesized sample clock, in order toreduce the drift value. To minimize distortion in the sampled data ofthe acquisition system that is phase locked to the VCO, a small offset(<±1E-6), long duration correction is implemented. The length of timethat the drift correction offset is applied is a linear function of thesize of the drift to be corrected and the amount by which the VCO'sfrequency is offset. Following the removal or reduction of theaccumulated drift, the continuous open loop frequency compensationprocess is still in operation to maintain high VCO stability until thenext drift correction process is executed.

While the invention could be used for any type of seismic unit, wired orwireless, autonomous or communicating with a central base, in thepreferred embodiment, the invention is utilized with continuouslyrecording, autonomous seismic data acquisition units that operateindependently of other units. In one preferred embodiment, theautonomous seismic data acquisition unit is comprised of a fullyenclosed, self-contained case having a wall defining at least oneinternal compartment within which are fixed at least one seismic sensor,non-volatile storage, a power supply sufficient to permit continuousoperation of the unit and operating electronics, including the foregoingelectronics utilized for the time base. The case is preferablyconstructed of a first plate and a second plate joined along theirperipheries by the wall defining the internal compartment, therebyresulting in an overall disk shape or tubular shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a system block diagram of a prior art cabled seismic dataacquisition system that utilizes a single centralized time base forsystem operation.

FIG. 2 is a system block diagram of a nodal seismic data acquisitionsystem that utilizes an external, common distributed time base forsynchronization of the system operation.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the time base elements of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a timing diagram of the phase relationship between the nodessample clock and the external timing reference epoch (GPS 1 PPS in thisexample) at the point at which they are synchronized as well as onepossible phase relationship at an arbitrarily time latter.

FIG. 5 is a timing diagram that presents one method by which the clockcalibration process of the invention can be implemented without causingdistortion in the sampled seismic data.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the drift correction process of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the steps utilized to maximize the intervalbetween drift corrections.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention is implemented in a seismic acquisition unit such as thatshown in FIG. 2, namely wireless nodal seismic acquisition unit.Specifically shown in FIG. 2 is a system level architectural blockdiagram of a seismic survey system 100 that utilizes a distributed timebase from an external timing reference to synchronize a plurality ofautonomous, individual seismic data acquisition units 102. Thedistributed time base insures that all individual seismic dataacquisition units 102 are sequenced during the acquisition cycle by thesame time reference. While the seismic survey system 100 of FIG. 2 issimilar to the prior art seismic survey system 10 of FIG. 1, the system100 of FIG. 2 is autonomous, without any wired or wireless physicallayer connection with the centralized base unit 16, i.e., no controlsignal from the base unit. Rather, each individual seismic acquisitionunit 102 includes a wireless receiver on board that communicates with anexternal, precision time reference or base 20, such as GPS satellites,to discipline the local time base of each unit 102. Likewise, while theseismic survey system 100 of FIG. 2 has some similarity to someautonomous prior art seismic acquisition units, the prior art unitsutilize the precisions satellite time base as the system clock itself,thereby creating many of the drawbacks set forth above. As shown in FIG.2, however, each individual seismic acquisition unit 102 of theinvention includes both a wireless receiver 106 and a local sample clock110 configured to be disciplined, via a local controller 104, bywireless receiver 106.

In FIG. 2, the synchronization of the energy source 108 to the timereference is done in much the same fashion as the prior art system 10shown in FIG. 1. However, the energy source control 30 of the system 100is logically, as well as physically, disassociated with the seismicacquisition units 102 and can be located anywhere convenient for theoperating crew. The acquisition system controller of FIG. 1 is replacedby a source synchronizer component 122 that insures that the TIMEBREAKsignal from the energy source controller 30 is on a sample intervalboundary relative to the GPS 1 PPS epoch. The distributed nodal seismicacquisition units 102 access the same common time reference used by thesource control portion 120 of the system to insure synchronizationwithin the survey system 100.

One embodiment of the synchronized, distributed time base in a nodalseismic data acquisition unit 102 is shown in FIG. 3. While only thoseelements related to the time base portion of the nodal unit is shown,the complete unit 102 includes a seismic sensor, sufficient non-volatilestorage and battery driven power supplies to permit continuous operationfor time frames greater than two weeks, and preferably during the entiredeployment of the units 102. Further each seismic acquisition unitincludes one or more seismic sensors, such as geophones. Preferably, allof the foregoing electrical components are housed in a fully enclosedcase having a wall defining at least one internal compartment within thecase and in which the components are secured. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that said electrical components include electricalconnection interconnecting the foregoing, and it is preferred in theembodiments of the invention that all electrical connections between anyelectrical components are contained within the case, rendering each dataacquisition unit 102 entirely self-contained and eliminating externalwiring or cabling of any type.

While the case may have any shape, preferably the case is shaped toenhance deployment and coupling with the ground by maximizing thesurface area of the case in contract with the ground. In one embodiment,the case comprises a first plate having a first periphery and a secondplate having a second periphery, wherein the plates are joined alongtheir peripheries by the wall defining the internal compartment. Thewall may be cylindrical so that the case may have an overall disk shapeor tubular shape.

Non-continuous access to a high precision time reference isaperiodically required to tune the open loop variables and to correctfor synchronization errors resulting from stability limitations of theopen loop approach.

While the invention will be described in terms of a precision satellitetime base such as GPS, in other non-limiting embodiments, the source ofthe external time reference to which each system or subsystem issynchronized could be implemented with other time references such asWWVB or dedicated propitiatory UHF/VHF time broadcasts. The invention isnot associated with any specific time epoch, but preferably all nodesand system elements must share a common epoch for synchronization of theacquisition processes.

In FIG. 3, a diagram of the local time base of a nodal seismic dataacquisition unit 102 according to the present invention is shown. Theportions of the seismic unit 102 that relate to the time base generallyincludes a node controller 104, a wireless receiver 106, an adjustabletiming device 108, such as a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), adisciplined sample clock 110, an A/D delta-sigma converter 112 and atime tag unit 114. A D/A converter 116 (preferably 16 bit) is used toprovide analog control voltage to VCO I 08 from node controller 104. Oneimportant aspect of the invention is the utilization of environmentalsensor 118 and a frequency compensation table 119 as described in moredetail below. While the adjustable timing device 108 will be describedas a voltage control oscillator, those skilled in the art willappreciate that such a device could be any oscillator cable offunctioning as described herein, including without limitation, a voltagecontrolled crystal oscillator, a voltage controlled temperaturecompensated crystal oscillator (VCTCXO) or a voltage controlled ovencontrolled crystal oscillator (VCOCXO).

Generally, disciplined sample clock 110 is used to directly clock theA/D delta-sigma converter 112. The time reference for the sample clock110 is provided by local VCO 108, the frequency of which is controlledby local node controller 104 (as opposed to VCO controlled directly by awireless receiver as done in prior art systems). It is the local nodecontroller 104 and the functionality that it provides which is one ofthe points of novelty of the invention. Since the wireless receiver 104is not disciplining the local VCO 1 08, seismic acquisition unit 102 canutilize a low power state to conserve power during operation. Forpurposes of this disclosure, “low power state” refers to a state inwhich wireless receiver 106 is not communicating with precision timebase 20. Without a direct, continuous access to an external timereference, the local node controller 104 cannot directly measure the VCO108 frequency nor determine the frequency error of VCO 108. Rather, thenode controller 104 will implement an open loop control algorithm thataccounts form one or more internal or external environmental conditionsthat impact unit 102, such as external temperature, tilt, voltage,crystal aging and the like, to estimate the VCO frequency and correctfor the estimated frequency error. Such environmental conditions may bemeasured by one or more environmental sensors 118. Preferably, sensors118 are low power, continuously operated sensors, such as for example,temperature sensor 118 a, tilt sensor 118 b and/or voltage sensor 118 c,operating in a open loop control process that enhances oscillatorstability without the need for a high precision, high power,continuously operated time reference. Without limiting the types ofenvironmental sensors that might be utilized in the invention, theenvironmental variables that are anticipated to have the mostsignificant effect on the stability of the operating frequency of theVCO used in the local time base include temperature, verticalorientation and VCO power supply voltage, wherein temperature generallyis the most significant of these factors. In various embodiments of theinvention one or more variables may be used to estimate the VCOoperating frequency. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that eachenvironmental variable may generally contribute to the overallinstability of the VCO and are preferably accounted for in implementingthe invention. The frequency error, temperature, inclination and powersupply voltages of the oscillator are stored into a frequencycompensation table 119, preferably utilizing non-volatile memory, foruse in disciplining VCO 108. The table may consist of an array ofdimension N where N is the integer quotient of the apparatus operatingenvironmental condition range divided by a fixed environmental conditionbinning range.

Table 1 lists typical stability factors for a typical low cost, lowpower crystal oscillator.

TABLE I Typical Crystal Oscillator Stability Variables StabilityEnvironmental Variable (ppb) Range Temperature ±500 −20-70° C. Voltage±200 ±5% Vcc Tilt ±2 ±180° X or Y planeFrom this table it is obvious that temperature has the most significanteffect on stability of the VCO, but even the inclination or tilt of theoscillator could result in excess of 100 uSec synchronization error overa 14 hour interval if not compensated for by the open loop controllermanaging the VCO.

In order to implement the open loop control algorithm, node controller104 must establish an accurate association between the measurableenvironmental variables and the resulting frequency error of the VCO108. In order to initially synchronize the local time base and tomeasure the frequency error of VCO 108, node controller 104 must haveaccess to an external high accuracy time reference. Access to theexternal time reference is provided by wireless receiver 106. Whilewireless receiver 106 is not used as the system clock as it is in theprior art, wireless receiver 106 serves two purposes in this embodimentof the invention: first, it is used to provide the initial 1 PPS epochto which the sample clock 110 is synchronized, and second, it is used toprovide an accurate time stamp, via time tag unit 114, of the A/D'ssample clock.

FIG. 4 illustrates the initial synchronization of the sample clock tothe time reference epoch (GPS 1 PPS in the example of FIG. 4), as wellas the divergence of the sample clock and the time reference over anarbitrary period of time. The difference in the time stamps between twosample clocks is used to determine the frequency error of the VCO. Asmentioned above, the frequency error, temperature, inclination and powersupply voltages of the oscillator are stored into a frequencycompensation table 119 for use in disciplining the oscillator. In doingso, node controller 104 is continuously learning the characteristic ofthe oscillator's frequency stability as a function of the environmentalvariables. The open loop controller that disciplines the VCO 108 thenutilizes this functional relationship to control the frequency of theoscillator. Preferably, the time interval between frequency measurementsis maximized to reduce the amount of time that the seismic acquisitionunit 102 is in its high power operating state, i.e., when the wirelessreceiver 106 is being utilized. Node controller 104 utilizes an adaptivealgorithm that maximizes the calibration interval based on thepreviously measured oscillator stability and the change in the amplitudeof the environmental sensors 118. The interval will be longer for morestable oscillators and the interval will be shorter for less stableoscillators. While this adaptive and aperiodic interval based on thestability of the oscillator is one preferred implementation of theinvention, the interval may also be determined at regular time intervalsor whenever there is a change in the environmental parameters.

Regardless of the level of frequency stability that can be realized bythe open loop controller that is disciplining the VCO, there will alwaysexist some instability that will result in frequency divergence of thelocal VCO 108 and the external time reference 20. This divergence isprimarily due to stability tolerances in the VCO oscillator and must becorrected prior to the magnitude of the divergence exceeding ageophysically significant amount. In FIG. 4 this divergence is referredto as “drift”. The correction method for the drift error is a separateprocess from the continuous VCO frequency correction method. While eachmethod can be practiced independently of one another in a seismicacquisition unit, in the preferred embodiment, both methods are utilizedin the seismic acquisition units of the invention. Drift correctionrequires the availability of the external timing reference 20 (GPS inthis example) to measure the drift and does not use any of theenvironmental sensors in the correction algorithm.

FIG. 5 is an example of the clock calibration process that includes anexample of how the drift is removed from the sample clock 110 of FIG. 3.The drift between the timing reference and the sample clock 110 ismeasured using time stamping of the sample clock 110 via the GPSreceiver 106. The GPS receiver is then placed into a low power sleepmode and the frequency of VCO 108 is intentionally offset from itsnominal value to either increase or decrease the frequency of the VCOand the synthesized sample clock, in order to reduce the drift value. Asshown in FIG. 5, this could be accomplished by offsetting the frequencyby a large value for a short period of time (as at area “A”) or by asmall value for a longer time interval (as at area “B”). For the purposeof simply reducing the drift interval, the large frequency offset valuewould reduce the interval the most quickly, as show in Area A, as isdone by existing GPS disciplined clocks such as those used in the priorart system shown in FIG. 1. However, a large change in VCO frequencycreates distortion in the sampled data of an acquisition system that isphase locked to the VCO since the rapid change in the clock frequencycreates in-band sampling noise in the A/D delta-sigma converters 1 12.Consequently, the invention provides for a small offset (<±1E-6), longduration correction, as shown in area B. The length of time that thedrift correction offset of the invention is applied is a linear functionof the size of the drift to be corrected and the amount by which theVCO's frequency is offset. Following the removal or reduction of theaccumulated drift, the continuous open loop frequency compensationprocess is still in operation to maintain high VCO stability until thenext drift correction process is executed. By avoiding an abruptcorrection as is done in the prior art, but rather spreading acorrection out over time, data distortion is minimized.

With reference again to FIG. 3, node controller 104 is interfaced with awireless receiver 106. Node controller 104 is typically a microprocessorthat implements algorithms involved in the initialization, control andlogging processes associated with the local time base. Wireless receiver106 provides access to an external, high accuracy time base 20, such asa GPS satellite constellation, WWVB, special radio signal or similarprecision time base. Wireless receiver 106 performs two functions,namely synchronization of the local time base and time stamping localevents, such as the time the A/D 110 converters sample clock 106.

The A/D sample clock 112 is sourced by the disciplined sample clock 110which is synchronized to a time epoch (ex. 1 PPS) via the wirelessreceiver 106 and whose sample interval is set by the node controller104. The disciplined sample clock 110 synthesizes the sample clock usedby the A/D converter 112 from a frequency source provided by the VCO108. The operating frequency of the VCO 108 is tuned by the controlprocesses, executed on the node controller 104, by variations of theanalog control input on the VCO 108. The 16 bit D/A converter 116 isused by the node controller 104 to provide the analog control voltage ofthe VCO 108. The open loop control process implemented on the nodecontroller 104 utilizes environmental measurements provided by thetemperature sensor 118 a, voltage sensor 118 c and/or the tilt sensor118 b in controlling the VCO 108. Historical frequency characteristic ofthe VCO 108 is stored along with the associated environmental sensorvalues in the frequency compensation table 119 located in non-volatilestorage.

The node controller 104 initializes the local time base by firstestablishing a reliable connection via the wireless receiver 106 to theexternal common time reference used by all nodes and subsystems in theseismic system. The node controller 104 calibrates the response of theVCO 108 to changes in the analog voltage applied by the D/A converter116 and stores the resulting scale value for later use in the correctionprocess. The wireless receiver 106 will replicate a local version of atime epoch (ex. 1 PPS) utilized by all nodes and subsystems to which thedisciplined sample clock 110 will be synchronized. The disciplinedsample clock 110 will synthesizes a repeating Sample Clock at the ratespecified by the node controller 104 which is used by the A/D converter112 to convert the analog representation of the seismic sensor into adigital format. Following initial synchronization of the external timeepoch and the Sample Clock the wireless receiver 106 can be placed intoa low power state to conserve battery resources and the FrequencyCompensation process on the node controller 104 is enabled.

The frequency compensation process, utilizing frequency compensationtable 119, is periodic executed on the node controller 104 andimplements an “open loop” control algorithm utilizing an empiricallydetermined relationship between various environmental variables and theoperating frequency of the VCO 108 to maximize the stability of thefrequency output of the VCO 108. An open loop control process usesindirect feedback to discipline the output frequency since a directmeasurement of the frequency would require access to an accuratefrequency or time reference. This would, in turn, require the use of thewireless receiver 106 which consumes limited battery power resources.The open loop controller is driven by the current values provided by thetemperature sensor 118 a, voltage sensor 118 c and tilt sensor 118 b, aswell as the historical performance characteristic of the VCO 108 in thefrequency compensation table 119. One possible structure of thefrequency compensation table 119 is shown in Table 2. The frequencycompensation table 119 can be viewed as a linear array index by thecurrent ambient operating temperature of the node. The operatingtemperature range of the node is segmented into small range temperaturebins (2 degree Celsius for the example in Table 2) which contain thetime that the last frequency error measurement of the VCO 108 was madewithin the temperature range of the bin. Also stored in the bin is theactual temperature when the frequency was measured, the environmentalvariables and the resulting frequency error of the VCO 108.

TABLE 2 Frequency Compensation Table Structure Temperature Bin - Deg C.<−40 −40-−38 −38-−36 −36-−34 . . . −4-−2 −2-−0 0-2 2-4 4-6 . . . 74-7676-78 78-80 >80 Time Time Time Time Time Time Time Time Time Time TimeTime Time Time Time Avg Avg Avg Avg Avg Avg Avg Avg Avg Avg Avg Avg AvgAvg Avg Temp Temp Temp Temp Temp Temp Temp Temp Temp Temp Temp Temp TempTemp Temp Voltage Voltage Voltage Voltage Voltage Voltage VoltageVoltage Voltage Voltage Voltage Voltage Voltage Voltage Voltage TiltTilt Tilt Tilt Tilt Tilt Tilt Tilt Tilt Tilt Tilt Tilt Tilt Tilt TiltFreq Freq Freq Freq Freq Freq Freq Freq Freq Freq Freq Freq Freq FreqFreq Error Error Error Error Error Error Error Error Error Error ErrorError Error Error Error

The open loop controller will develop an interpolating equation relatingthe Frequency Error and Average Temperature value for the bin matchingthe current operating temperature and the bin whose Average Temperatureis next closest to the current operating temperature. The resultingequation is then solve using the actual current operating temperature toestimate the Frequency Error to be corrected. The open loop controlleruses the estimated Frequency Error, as well as the scale valuecalculated during the initialization process, to adjust the controlvoltage on the VCO 108 to improve the stability of the frequency of theoscillator.

In order to correct for aging of the VCO 108, the open loop controllerwill request a new measurement of the frequency if the last measurementwas perform over 5 days prior to the current time. An update of thefrequency error value will also be requested if the current Voltagelevel of the oscillator is different by more than ±0.5% or if thecurrent Tilt Value is more than ±15 degrees different from the values inthe bin.

Measurement of the Frequency Error of the oscillator requires theavailability of the external time reference provided by the wirelessreceiver 106. The frequency error is calculated by measuring the driftshown in FIG. 4 over an accurate time interval. The equation below isused to calculate the frequency error of the VCO 108.FreqError=(FNominal*(Drift1−Drift2)/(T2−T1))   Eq 1Where FreqError is in Hertz, FNominal is the ideal or target frequencydesired for the VCO 108 in Hertz, Drift1 and Drift2 and T1 and T2 are inseconds. The time interval between the measurement of the first driftvalue (Drift1) and the second value (Drift2) is the value T2−T1. Therequired length of this measurement interval is a function of thedesired accuracy of the frequency error measurement and the accuracywith which the drift values can be measured. Equation 2 is used tocalculate the required interval over which the frequency error ismeasured.MI=2*ME*(FNominal+FT)/FT   Eq. 2Where MI (Measurement Interval) and ME (Measurement Error) are inseconds and FNominal and FT (Frequency Tolerance) are in Hertz. Forexample if the FNominal frequency is 10.24 MHz, ME is 55 nSec and FT is5 mHz then the measurement interval would need to be at least 226seconds. The wireless receiver 106 is placed into its low power sleepstate during this interval to conserve power resources.

The foregoing process describes the Frequency Compensation method of theinvention provided to permit local clock calibration using a externaltime base to which access is non-continuous or intermittent. This formsone of the points of novelty of the invention in that the correctionsare preferably “aperiodic” based on analysis of environmental conditionsand their effect on the local timing based intermittently derived fromthe external time base. In addition, the invention provides for a methodof Drift Correction for the local timing device of the seismic dataacquisition unit. The Drift Correction method can be used in conjunctionwith or independently from the Frequency Compensation method.

Preferably, whenever the Frequency Compensation method is applied andthe frequency compensation table 119 is updated with a new measurementof the Frequency Error, the Drift Correction method is applied. When thefrequency compensation table is updated, the drift of the sample clockrelative to the external time base is measured. This drift, shown inFIG. 4, must be removed in order to keep the sample clocks within aspecified tolerance. FIG. 5 is an example of the clock calibrationprocess which includes a drift correction process as well as thefrequency error measurement process of the VCO 108 as described in thefrequency compensation process above.

The steps of the Frequency Compensation method and Drift Correctionmethod are illustrated in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7. The followingsteps (a) and (b) embody the Frequency Compensation method, while steps(c), (d) and (e) embody the Drift Correction method:

-   -   a) Enable the wireless receiver 106 to receive the an external        time reference and time stamp the local disciplined sample clock        110 (Step 200). Calculate the Drift1 (Step 202) of Eq. 1. The        difference in time between the time stamp of Step 200 and a        theoretical time that the sample clock should have occurred is        the Drift1 measure. Record the current values of relevant        environmental factors (Step 202), such as values from the        temperature sensor 118 a, voltage sensor 118 c and the tilt        sensor 118 b. Disable the wireless receiver 106 to conserve        power and wait a time interval at least greater than the        interval calculated using Eq. 2 (Step 204).    -   b) Enable the wireless receiver 106 to receive the an external        time reference and time stamp the local disciplined sample clock        110 (Step 206). Calculate the Drift2 and associated        environmental values (Step 208). The difference in time between        the time stamp of Step 206 and the theoretical time that the        sample clock should have occurred is the Drift2 measure in        Eq. 1. The difference between the two time stamps is the        interval T2−T1 of Eq. 1 from which the frequency error may be        calculated (Step 210). Calculate the average for the various        environmental values of the unit, such as temperature, voltage        and tilt over the measurement interval. Disable the wireless        receiver 106 to conserve power. Update the frequency        compensation table 119 with the current time and the average        values of the environmental variables (Step 212). Insure that        the frequency compensation process updates the operating        frequency of the VCO 108.    -   c) Based on the Drift2 measurement, calculate the time length,        i.e., the Drift Correction Interval, required to eliminate this        drift value if the frequency of the VCO 108 was offset by ±1E-6        times the nominal frequency of the VCO 108 (Step 214). Offset        the frequency of the VCO 108 by the ±1 E-6 shift (Step 216) and        wait for the completion of the Drift Correction Interval (Step        218).    -   d) Enable the wireless receiver 106 to receive the an external        time reference and time stamp the local disciplined sample clock        110 (Step 222). Power down the wireless receiver 106. The        difference in time between the time stamp of Step 222 and the        theoretical time that the sample clock should have occurred is        the third drift measurement. This third drift measurement value        should be close to zero. In Step 224, a determination is made        whether the value is acceptable or whether the drift correction        process needs to be performed again. If outside of a ±2 uSec        interval then the process needs to be performed again. A new        Drift Correction Interval should be calculated following the        steps of the process and the ±1E-6 frequency offset should        continue to be applied. It should be noted that the polarity of        the offset may be different in those cases where the initial        correction applied overshot the intended drift correction.    -   e) Remove the ±1E-6 drift correction frequency offset and        continue to execute the periodic Frequency Compensation process        (Step 226).

The interval between drift corrections needs to be kept at a maximum inorder to minimize the activation of the wireless receiver 106 andthereby minimize power consumption. This interval is determinedaccording to the process of FIG. 7 by an adaptive algorithm thatcalculates the average stability of the VCO 108 since the last driftcorrection and also over the last 24 hours of operation. Thus, the lastdrift correction is identified in Step 300. In Step 302, the wirelessreceiver 106 is enable to receive the an external time reference.Whichever stability value is the largest will be used to predict whenthe VCO 108 will exceed a predetermined percentage of the maximumsynchronization interval. In one embodiment, the predeterminedpercentage is 70%. The next frequency compensation table 119 update anddrift correction cycle is then schedule to be performed at this time.However, if the scheduled time falls into a time period during whichaccess to the external time reference is known to be degraded, thecalibration process will be scheduled to occur at a time prior to thecalculated interval but outside of the known poor reception period. Forexample if the time reference is the GPS system and the downloadedAlmanac indicates that no satellites would be available at the scheduledtime X then the clock calibration process would be scheduled at time Ywhen multiple satellites would be available and where time Y is prior totime X.

Based on the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the method of theinvention minimizes power consumption of autonomous seismic dataacquisition units by only intermittently utilizing a wireless receiverto access an external precision timing reference. It will further beappreciated that the invention also addresses those instances where awireless signal is not available for establishing a precision timereference.

While certain features and embodiments of the invention have beendescribed in detail herein, it will be readily understood that theinvention encompasses all modifications and enhancements within thescope and spirit of the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of providing a stable timingsignal for a seismic data acquisition unit, comprising: generating, viaa local oscillator of the seismic data acquisition unit, a local timingsignal; receiving, by a wireless receiver of the seismic dataacquisition unit, an external time reference; disciplining, via thewireless receiver, the local oscillator based on the external timereference; determining a frequency error of the local oscillator bydifferencing time stamps of the external time reference over a frequencymeasurement time interval, wherein the frequency measurement timeinterval corresponds to a frequency accuracy for a variable time stampuncertainty; measuring, via at least one environmental sensor, at leastone environmental parameter for the seismic data acquisition unit, theat least environmental parameter including an inclination of the seismicdata acquisition unit; storing, in a memory element of the seismic dataacquisition unit, a data structure comprising (i) the frequency error,(ii) the time stamps from the external time reference, and (iii)measured environmental parameters encountered over the frequencymeasurement time interval; and during a time interval in which thewireless receiver is disabled, adjusting a frequency of the localoscillator to correct for at least one timing error using data stored inthe data structure.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:determining an average of a plurality of measurements of the at leastone environmental parameter; and storing the average in the datastructure.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: enabling thewireless receiver to receive the external time reference during thefrequency measurement time interval; and disabling the wireless receiverat the end of the frequency measurement time interval by entering a lowpower state.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providinghistorical environmental characteristic data corresponding to the atleast timing error; and storing the historical environmentalcharacteristic data in the data structure.
 5. The method of claim 1,further comprising: measuring, via the at least one environmentalsensor, a temperature of the seismic data acquisition unit; and storing,in the data structure, measured temperatures encountered over thefrequency measurement time interval.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: determining a current inclination and a current temperatureof the seismic data acquisition unit; determining a stored seismic dataacquisition unit inclination corresponding to the current operationtemperature stored in the data structure; and adjusting the frequency ofthe local oscillator based on the difference between the currentinclination and the stored seismic data acquisition unit inclination. 7.The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a current powersupply operating voltage and a current operating temperature of thelocal oscillator; determining a stored power supply operating voltagecorresponding to the current operating temperature stored in the datastructure; and adjusting the frequency of the local oscillator based ona difference between the current power supply operating voltage and thestored power supply operating voltage.
 8. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: monitoring the at least one environmental parameter; andresponsive to identifying a change in the at least one environmentalparameter, updating the data structure with the change and acorresponding time stamp of the local timing signal.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: responsive to determining a timing error,updating the data structure with the timing error, a correspondingmeasured environmental parameter, and a corresponding time stamp of thelocal timing signal.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the local timingsignal is aperiodic voltage having a nominal frequency.
 11. A system forproviding a stable timing signal for a seismic data acquisition unit,comprising: a local oscillator configured to generate a local timingsignal; a wireless receiver configured to receive an external timereference, and discipline the local oscillator based on the externaltime reference; at least one environmental sensor configured to measureat least one environmental parameter for the seismic data acquisitionunit, the environmental parameters including an inclination of theseismic data acquisition unit; a memory element; and a processorcommunicatively coupled to the memory element, the processor configuredto: determine a frequency error of the local oscillator by differencingtime stamps of the external time reference over a frequency measurementtime interval, wherein the frequency measurement time intervalcorresponds to a frequency accuracy for a variable time stampuncertainty; store, in the memory element of the seismic dataacquisition unit, a data structure comprising (i) the frequency error,(ii) the time stamps from the external time reference, and (iii)measured environmental parameters encountered over the frequencymeasurement time interval; and during a time interval in which thewireless receiver is disabled, adjust a frequency of the localoscillator to correct for at least one timing error using data stored inthe data structure.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the processor isfurther configured to: determine an average of a plurality ofmeasurements of the at least one environmental parameter; and store theaverage in the data structure.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein: theprocessor is further configured to enable the wireless receiver toreceive the external time reference during the frequency measurementtime interval, and disable the wireless receiver at the end of thefrequency measurement time interval; and the wireless receiver isfurther configured to enter a low power state responsive to beingdisabled.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to: receive historical environmental characteristic datacorresponding to the at least timing error; and store the historicalenvironmental characteristic data in the data structure.
 15. The systemof claim 11, wherein: the at least one environmental sensor is furtherconfigured to measure a temperature of the seismic data acquisitionunit; and the processor is further configured to store, in the datastructure, measured temperatures encountered over the frequencymeasurement time interval.
 16. The system of claim 11, wherein theprocessor is further configured to: determine a current inclination anda current temperature of the seismic data acquisition unit; determine astored seismic data acquisition unit inclination corresponding to thecurrent operation temperature stored in the data structure; and adjustthe frequency of the local oscillator based on the difference betweenthe current inclination and the stored seismic data acquisition unitinclination.
 17. The system of claim 11, wherein the processor isfurther configured to: determine a current power supply operatingvoltage and a current operating temperature of the local oscillator;determine a stored power supply operating voltage corresponding to thecurrent operating temperature stored in the data structure; and adjustthe frequency of the local oscillator based on a difference between thecurrent power supply operating voltage and the stored power supplyoperating voltage.
 18. The system of claim 11, wherein the processor isfurther configured to: monitor, via the at least one environmentalsensor, the at least one environmental parameter; and responsive toidentifying a change in the at least one environmental parameter, updatethe data structure with the change and a corresponding time stamp of thelocal timing signal.
 19. The system of claim 11, wherein the processoris further configured to: update, responsive to determining a timingerror, the data structure with the timing error, a correspondingmeasured environmental parameter, and a corresponding time stamp of thelocal timing signal.
 20. The system of claim 11, wherein the localtiming signal is aperiodic voltage having a nominal frequency.